Named after Dr. Moshe Feldenkrais, D.Sc. Who was born in Russia, was a scientist, mechanical engineer, educator and judo expert, the Feldenkrais method was developed after he was injured. Dr. Feldenkrais suffered a knee injury and was told he had a 50 percent chance for recovery and possibly would be in a wheelchair. He was not happy with this prognosis and the treatments available to him and developed a program of therapeutic movement that he taught to other people. Based on bio-mechanics and physics and an understanding of physiology and the mind body connection he created the Feldenkrais Method. Using gentle movements practitioners direct attention with the aim of increasing range of motion, improved flexibility and the capacity for efficient and graceful movement.
By re-educating the brain and the nervous system this method develops new paths to perceive the body and move. For people with eating disorders or other mental health problems like anxiety and depression the Feldenkrais Method can help to give them a better body image. It can correct poor postures and bad movement for those who suffer from joint and bones issues. There has been great success with people who have neurological issues like ataxia, multiple sclerosis and brain tumors. The method teaches the nervous system to bypass damaged areas to ease stress and tensions.
Either done individually or in groups, the Feldenkrais teacher leads a series of movements. The groups are called Awareness Through Movement or ATM and each session lasts between 30 to 60 minutes. The clients either lie on the floor or stand and each body posture evolves into a greater range of movement and complexity. The focus is on learning which movements work best and cause positive changes in the body. Many of these movements are based on normal human development like looking behind you, lying to sitting, standing and reaching. Some are based on postural dynamics and exploration of joint muscles. There are hundreds of ATM lessons that vary in complexity and difficulty they are available to all levels of ability. The individualized sessions are known as Functional Integration or FI and are performed with props such as blankets, rollers or pillows to provide support or facilitate movement. The guided series of movements allows the trainer to develop lessons customized for each person with the goal of expanding coordination and flexibility.
There are no side effects from this method to be concerned about. If the client is unable to participate in their session due to pain or skin irritations the practitioner will take a break from them until they feel better. The method is not forced upon the client and it is non-invasive.
The overseeing body is the International Feldenkrais Federation (IFF). Practitioners have to participate in training programs that take between three to four years and then they are certified by the Feldenkrais Guild of North America (FGNA) in the United States. They are also required to complete 750 to 800 hours of patient care and instruction. Annual workshops, conferences and apprenticeships are offered for continuing education. The graduates are ready to teach ATM and FI classes as certified instructors.
Exercise is important to incorporate in a treatment plan, something that is easy on the muscles and joints is recommended like swimming or biking. To stretch and strengthen the muscles and improve stamina physical or occupational therapy work well. For balance and to prevent falling yoga, qigong and tai chi are great. Acupuncture, massage and manual manipulation work well for flexibility especially for chronic pain.
In treating neurological injuries the Feldenkrais Method has had success in training the nervous system to create and use new pathways around the damaged area. There has been success in treating stroke patients, it is effective with head injuries and other neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis and cerebral palsy. It is effective as an integrative medicine approach to degenerative arthritis to fibromyalgia. It helps a person to feel good about their body and works well with mood disorders and is great in addition to psychotherapy.
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